Charlotte's Place - The Common - Ealing - 10/10

It was Saturday night, and the Bear and I had a plan. Step One: Go to his parent's house to pick up his free-standing dart board stand thing. Step Two: Go to a vegetarian South Indian restaurant in Hammersmith for a Dosa. Step Three: Watch Bruno at Hammersmith Cineworld. A fine plan.

But, my brain decided that it needed to go mental for a half an hour, and the plan fell to pieces. Half way to the Bear's parent's house, I decided that it was far too nice outside to go and sit in a restaurant with no garden or courtyard or anything, and then sit in the cinema. I ummed and ahhed for ages. We discussed going to Richmond green for a pint. Nope. We discussed getting a disposable BBQ and eating in the communal gardens of the Bear's flat. Nope Nope and Nope.

Eventually we decided to head to the parent's house and take it from there. With the dart board stand safely nestled on the back seat of the Bear's fourteen-year-old Vauxhall Corsa, the Bear's mum came up with a blinding suggestions. Charlotte's Place on Ealing Common.

Not known for it's outside dining, they had put a few tables on the pavement outside the restaurant to accommodate those keen on sitting outside. Luckily we nabbed one.

I've been to Charlotte's Place before, and it's always been for a special occasion. It's got a very good reputation is Ealing, and is one of the few "special occasion" restaurants in the area.

The restaurant is in a converted house on Ealing Common, split on two levels. The ground floor has eight or so tables, and then the same again in the basement. It's plainly decorated in white with sumptuous brown leather chairs and elegant dark wood tables. The tables outside were a bit more basic, but comfortable never the less.

We arrived with no reservation, which usually would be a problem, and there were no tables left inside. But the very polite staff sat us outside. They do an early bird menu between 6pm - 7pm which includes three courses, a cocktail and unlimited mineral water for £25. We arrived at 7:10pm so were fully prepared to pay full menu price, but the excellent staff let us in on the deal anyway. Very impressed so far.

The menu came accompanied by two warm rolls and butter. The rolls were freshly made, and hot to touch. Yum. Everything on the menu is included in the early bird deal and there is six or seven dishes to choose from for each course. There was also six cocktails to choose from for your free drink.

The Bear and I both went for the Bramble, which is gin, soda and blackberry. It was perfect for a summer afternoon, and I think the Bear started to regret offering to be the designated driver! We also were supplied with some sparkling water. Not something I would usually comment on, but this was special water. They make their own and is therefore free and unlimited because of its low cost to produce. Pretty impressive stuff.

I was given excellent and non-patronising advice on what wine to have with my food, tailored to my choice of dishes (fish, of course). In the end I plumped for the Sauvingnon Blanc.

Our starters arrived and they looked bloody good. The Bear went for the Warm Mackerel Fillet with Potato Salad, Beetroot Puree and Horseradish Cream. I had a little taste and it was exquisite. The small Mackerel fillet was perfectly cooked with crisp skin. The potato salad was bristling with heat from the horseradish cream, and the beetroot puree made the dish stand out from the plate with a well placed burst of colour.

I went for the Ceviche of Seabass with Marinated Fennel and a Mixed Cress and Citrus Salad. It was out of this world. The colour of the grapefruit and blood orange segments lifted the dish off the plate and made your mouth water. The tartness of the fruit complimented the fennel and Seabass to a tee. Both starters were superb summer dishes and exceeded my expectations. It was shaping up to be a pretty good summer's evening.

Next, the main course. Our appetites excited by the starters, we were eagerly anticipating the main. The Bear went for the Beef Onglet with Hand Cut Chips, Caramelised Onion, and Garlic Alioi. He was delighted with it. The meat was rare and tender. The chips were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside and well seasoned. A very big bear-shaped thumbs up.

I went for the Paupiette of Plaice Fillet and Scallop Mouse with Samphire and Chive Butter. Wow. This is something I have never had before, and the taste will stay with me for a long time. The plaice fillet was teased into a vessel which contained the most beautiful scallop mouse. The depth of flavour of the mouse was truly magical, amplified by the different textures. The samphire and chive butter made the fish sing with flavour. I cannot compliment this dish enough. One of the best dishes I have ever eaten.

Our plates were cleared by the ever-attentive waiting staff and we were given the desert menu. The Bear plumped for the Lime and Lemongrass Tart with Citrus and Coconut Salad with Creme Fraiche Ice Cream. The whole composition was excellent from the flavour combinations to the presentation. The creme fraiche ice cream in particular was spot on. The tart was caramelised on the top, which gave it pleasant crunch.

I went for the Strawberry Pannacotta, Shortbread Biscuit and a taster of Moscato D'Asti. I am a big pannacotta fan, and probably have it too often. This one in particular was accomplished and the shortbread biscuit was light. The taster of the Moscato D'Asti was a nice touch, and a pretty large measure for a freebie.

All in all the whole experience was out of this world. The service was attentive but not fussy or irksome. The staff made the whole restaurant feel relaxed but effortlessly professional. The food was exemplary. The total bill for three courses, two cocktails, a glass of wine, two coffees, water and service came to £70. Everything you could want from a meal, and at a good price too. If you're celebrating, or just in the area, at these prices everyone should be giving Charlotte's Place a go. I will certainly be back.